Please introduce yourself. Who are you? Where did you grow up? Where do you live?I am a botanical illustrator. My home studio is in Oakland where I've resided for the last 35 years. Shortly after I got into painting botanicals, I felt the need to network and build community. In collaboration with others, I founded the Northern California Chapter of Botanical Artists. ​

I am now the President of our national organization, American Society of Botanical Artists. It is safe to say that as much time goes into administering these organizations as goes into my painting...for now.

I owe my appreciation for botanical art to the artist, Henry Evans, who gained popularity in the 1970's. My path to painting botanicals was not direct, however. I studied studio art at a small liberal arts school in Illinois and decided that the midwest was not for me. Back in California at UC Davis, I got a degree in Landscape Architecture which served as a great foundation for my knowledge of plants that I paint to day.

Tell us more about what you create. What style(s) do you work in, mediums, etc.When it comes to plants, I get up close and personal. Much goes into preserving plants as found in nature. Color studies are done, details are noted, sketches of plant parts are drawn, and ultimately a composition evolves from all of this before beginning to paint layers upon layers of watercolor. My process goes from wet and loose to dry and detailed.​

California Pepper Tree by Sally Petru

Where can we find your art besides at 4th Street?I am in exhibitions throughout the year. I am currently showing my art at Filoli in Woodside.

How long have you been creating?Botanical art since 1999 and design work since 1978.​

When you're not making your art, what do you do?My time is split between my administrative work for ASBA, teaching watercolor, walking my dog, spending time with my family, and cooking. I cook to relax!

What’s on the horizon for you and what you do?I'm about to have my first joint exhibition at 4th Street Fine Art. It has been fun to collaborate in an environment where I'm the only botanical artist. ​

Blue Bearded Iris by Sally Petru

What inspiring advice would you give to other creatives be they established or just starting out?People expect that my art is my passion. It's not, but it certainly has acted as a wonderful vehicle for learning more about myself, other people, and the world around me.

It's good to put your art in the context of your life. I think it takes some of the weight of needing to produce off.

Just starting out, I say get out there and see what others are doing. Find what appeals to you and find your own voice.

Who are some artists that inspire you?Henry Evans was the first. Now that I am deeply embedded in the botanical art world there are a hosts of lesser known artists there such as Elaine Searle, Lizzie Sanders and Jean Emmons. More well-known artists would include Georgia O'Keefe, and the French impressionists.​Anything else you'd like to share?I imagine I'll always paint because there is so much out there to see and do.

****Come see the beautiful details of Sally's work up-close and in-person.

​Her show with artist, Valerie Sobel, will be on display March 31 - May 11, 2018. Come chat with her about her work at the opening reception Saturday, April 7th 5pm - 7pm.

​4th Street Fine Art artist Shawn Shawn’s Metal Mayhem is based on metal blades that cut and smooth a surface or deconstruct a duality. Shawn’s inspiration was Erik Nieman and Gerhardt Richter reformed into his own style.